The Sunday League goalkeeper set for a call-up to the World Cup

Last updated at 00:44 31 January 2008

A Sunday league footballer could be playing in the 2010 World Cup - thanks to a shortage of goalkeepers in the Dominica.

Towering Ross Jeremy, 25, is eligible to play for the Caribbean nation because his father was born there. He sent an email to the Dominica FA asking if they were trialling keepers - and he was stunned when they invited him to join the squad.

Ross jetted out today to join the players as they prepare for a crucial World Cup pre-qualifier against Barbados.

The IT technician has taken the time off work and can't believe his "shot in the dark" could lead to a game in the World Cup.

He said: "It's hard to take in because the highest standard of football I've ever reached is just the Sunday stuff with my team.

"I don't think the Dominica has too many goalkeepers to pick from so I'm hopeful I'll be selected for the game. I'll certainly be giving it everything."

Bachelor Ross, of Longwell Green, Bristol, sent an email to the Dominica football authorities in 2006 following a conversation with his dad John, who was born on the island.

However, the team did not immediately contact him and Ross later changed his mobile number and thought nothing more of it. But by chance the goalie decided to check his voicemail last week and was shocked to hear a number of urgent messages by team bosses desperate to contact him.

With a population of just 72,000, the country has a limited number of goalkeepers to choose from. Ross - who set up his team, DKL, in the Bristol Sunday League in 2004 - said: "My father was born in Dominica and lived there until he was 18, which is obviously how I get to qualify.

"So back in 2006 I sent the Dominica football authorities an email to let them know I existed and ask whether there would be any trial opportunities.

"I forgot all about it until last month when I checked an old phone for voicemails and heard several messages from Dominica officials.

"I called them straight away, thinking someone was having a crack at my expense, but it was true."

The sportsman will stop at Barbados for one night before flying to the island to meet with the rest of the team later this week.

Ross is also being accompanied by Richard Pacquette, the 24-year-old Havant & Waterlooville striker who scored against Liverpool in the FA Cup, who is also trying to establish himself as a Dominica international.

Before Ross left last night, he said: "Now I've got the passport and bags ready for an overnight stay in Barbados.

"This will be followed by a trip out to Dominica to team up with the rest of the players the following day."

Ross hopes he will be picked to play against Barbados in a two-leg match, which will take place on February 6.

Barbados will then face the USA for a place in the World Cup qualifiers on March 26.

His fellow team-mate Nick Stewart, 24, said: "I find it totally amazing. The fact that he's been playing in goal for little more than three years makes it incredible.